1999-06-01 – Ann Druffel – Ufology, Alien Abductions

Show: Midnight In The Desert

Air Date: June 1, 1999

Guest(s): Ann Druffel, Peter Davenport

Topic(s): Ufology, Alien Abductions

Art Bell starts the show by promising to reveal the reasons behind his departure from the air in October 1998, a topic of much curiosity among his listeners. Art also announces an upcoming book signing event for “The Source,” a book co-authored by him and Brad Steiger. The signing, featuring Steiger, is scheduled to take place in Minnetonka, Minnesota, offering fans a chance to receive an autographed photo of Art Bell.

The show then shifts to a segment with Peter Davenport, who runs the UFO Reporting Center in Seattle. Davenport, returning from a short vacation, brings new information on UFO sightings. He plans to focus on recent cases, particularly a dramatic sighting over Mercer Island near Seattle. The discussion includes an audio clip from a witness, Scott Benson, enhancing the firsthand experience for the audience.

Art Bell focuses on a UFO sighting reported by a caller named Scott Benson. The sighting occurred on the afternoon of May 26th, near Mercer Island. Benson describes seeing a silvery cylindrical object, about the size of a ballpoint pen held at arm’s length, moving in front of his vehicle. He emphasizes the sharpness and clarity of the object, noting its high contrast against the bright blue sky and the absence of any visible tail or wings, leading him to conclude it was not a plane.

Peter Davenport, from the UFO Reporting Center, finds Benson’s account credible due to his clear recollection and detailed description. Art invites Benson to share his experience live on the show. Benson recounts traveling westbound on the freeway, surrounded by traffic, when he suddenly noticed the object. He describes it as moving at a right angle to his direction, tilting upward about 30 degrees, and disappearing from view in about 4-5 seconds.

Benson provides a detailed analysis of the object’s size based on his estimates of its distance, concluding it could have been about 66 feet long if it was a quarter mile away. He stresses the object’s well-defined edges and lack of fuzziness, suggesting it was relatively close. The object moved along a 30-degree path from straight ahead to upper right, covering about a 60-degree arc in the sky in approximately 5 seconds.

Benson provides additional details, noting the object’s self-luminous nature, as it did not cast a shadow despite being under the sun. Art and Peter note the importance of the witness’s background, with Benson’s eloquent and precise use of language lending credibility to his report.

Benson also mentions an encounter with a black helicopter the day after the sighting, noting its unusual behavior and silence, suggesting it might be related to his UFO experience. He reflects on the impact of the sighting, describing feelings of awe and curiosity rather than fear, pondering whether the object was extraterrestrial or advanced technology unknown to the public.

The conversation then shifts to the psychological effects of such an encounter. Benson talks about documenting the event in his journal and making further calculations about the sighting. Art commends Benson for his courage in sharing his story and welcomes him to the “club” of those who have witnessed inexplicable phenomena.

As the segment concludes, Art teases the upcoming revelation of why he left the air in October 1998, a story that has now been publicly released. He and Peter lament the scarcity of credible witnesses like Benson, suggesting that more such testimonies could potentially solve the mystery of UFO sightings.

Peter Davenport introduces another audio cut from Memphis, Tennessee, describing a UFO sighting on May 10th. This report involves a disc-shaped object spotted near the Memphis airport, reflecting sunlight and observed by a college professor. The object was reportedly near a commercial airliner, raising concerns about air safety and potential collisions with unidentified flying objects.

Art Bell emphasizes the significance of such close encounters, especially when they involve commercial aircraft. Davenport notes the work of his predecessor, Robert J. Gribble, a well-known UFO investigator who founded the UFO hotline. Gribble had collected data on incidents where airliners might have had encounters with UFOs, but like Davenport, he hadn’t reached any definitive conclusions about these phenomena.

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of UFO sightings. Davenport reflects on the possibility that the government may already possess UFO technology, a notion that both he and Art find intriguing yet concerning. They discuss the implications of such technology and the potential effects on society, especially considering reports of abductions. Bell and Davenport agree that whether these abductions are conducted by humans or extraterrestrials, they represent a serious violation of civil rights and potentially, a threat to national security.

Art Bell and Peter Davenport discuss the work of Dr. David Jacobs, author of “The Threat,” who portrays extraterrestrial beings not as benign entities but potentially dangerous. This view aligns with Davenport’s stance on the necessity of erring on the side of caution regarding our interactions with unknown phenomena.

The conversation shifts to the topic of crop circles. Art criticizes the mainstream media’s lack of coverage on intricate crop circles appearing around the world, particularly in England. They discuss the complexity and size of these formations, arguing that they couldn’t have been created by humans in a short time frame. Davenport suggests that interested individuals can find extensive information about crop circles on the internet.

Davenport then plays an audio clip related to a sighting in Louisville, Kentucky, during the Kentucky Derby. The witness describes capturing on video an unusual metallic object moving erratically in the sky, disappearing and reappearing in a matter of seconds. They express hope that this footage will shed more light on the phenomenon.

Art and Peter discuss the apparent reluctance of the mainstream media to cover UFO-related stories. They ponder whether this is due to a conspiracy of silence or a fear of harming journalistic credibility. Davenport observes that while local and regional media show interest in UFO reports, national media outlets largely ignore them. This disparity in coverage leads to a broader discussion about the role of media in reporting on UFO phenomena and the need for greater public awareness and understanding.

Peter Davenport expresses frustration over the reluctance of local newspapers in Seattle to cover UFO sightings, despite numerous reports he has shared on the show. He finds it mystifying that the press does not investigate these cases more thoroughly or at least talk to witnesses like Scott Benson.

Davenport acknowledges the stressful nature of his role at the National UFO Reporting Center but considers it the most important job he’s ever had. He emphasizes the importance of collecting data on UFO sightings and disseminating it to a broader audience, hoping that someone out there might have answers to these mysteries. He also mentions the financial challenges faced by the Reporting Center, inviting listeners to support their work.

The address for the National UFO Reporting Center is provided for listeners who wish to contribute. Davenport expresses gratitude for any donations received, highlighting how even small contributions have made a significant difference.

The show then transitions to Art Bell introducing his next guest, Ann Druffel, who has been investigating UFOs and abductions for many years. The discussion with Druffel focuses on the nature of UFOs and abductions, including strategies to avoid abduction. She shares insights into the Tonga Canyon contacts, noting that abductees initially see creatures as greys, which later transform into more acceptable golden-haired Nordics. Druffel suggests that these beings might present themselves in various forms to reduce stress for the abductees.

Among the 250 cases in her database, Druffel notes a wide range of creature appearances beyond the commonly reported insectoids, reptilians, and greys. She shares stories of physical resistance by abductees, including one who pushed away a creature that appeared beside her bed, causing it to vanish.

Druffel shares her hypothesis that these beings are not physical in our conventional sense and may not be extraterrestrial visitors from other planets. She notes that every major culture throughout history has described abducting, humanoid creatures that can shape-shift and materialize, drawing parallels between these historical accounts and modern-day UFO abductors.

Druffel also questions the government’s knowledge and involvement with UFOs. She recalls a friend in the CIA who analyzed UFO photographs, indicating the government’s interest in these phenomena. However, she points out that when her friend tried to obtain more information through the Freedom of Information Act, he was strongly discouraged, suggesting secrecy surrounding this topic.

Furthermore, Druffel explores the possibility of a secret component within the government, perhaps a group or committee, that conceals UFO information. She refers to the Majestic 12 concept, suggesting that even the President might not be fully informed about these matters. Her CIA contact concluded that the UFOs they analyzed were of unknown origin, aligning with numerous reports from aircraft pilots witnessing unexplained phenomena.

Druffel then shares her personal experience of witnessing a UFO as a child, emphasizing the physical reality of the sighting. Similarly, Art Bell recounts his own encounter with a UFO, a perfect triangle that floated above him and his wife, defying gravity. Both agree that such experiences are life-changing and lament the lack of public acknowledgment or media coverage of these events.

The segment concludes with Druffel pondering the intentions of the beings associated with the physical UFOs. While she acknowledges the extraterrestrial hypothesis as plausible, she remains open to other explanations, including the possibility of interdimensional craft.

Druffel suggests that conventional physics might not fully explain the phenomenon of UFOs, and they could be using a different form of energy, such as orgone energy, for travel.

They discuss the possibility that if we had access to UFO technology, our methods of space travel would be more sophisticated than the current rocket-based systems. Druffel also speculates on the government’s awareness and potential involvement with UFOs. She mentions her CIA contact who analyzed UFO photographs and was later discouraged from pursuing further information, indicating a level of secrecy and interest in UFOs by the government.

The conversation then shifts to whether humanity is ready to join any supposed federation of planets. Both Bell and Druffel agree that given the current global conflicts and nuclear threats, humanity might not be ready for such a step.

Druffel also touches on the observation that UFOs tend to monitor human conflicts, citing their increased sightings during wars. She theorizes that physical UFOs are monitoring Earth, possibly as part of their study of human behavior.

The segment concludes with Druffel discussing her book on defending against alien abductions. She explains that most abductions occur in an altered state, and if an individual can recognize the early signs of this state, such as paralysis or the presence of a white light, they might be able to prevent the abduction.

Druffel acknowledges the abduction phenomenon as a genuine occurrence, affecting rational and stable individuals. Druffel theorizes that these events do not take place in our ordinary physical space-time but in some altered state of consciousness. She proposes that the abducting entities have psychic abilities, enabling them to read thoughts and intentions and even alter their appearance or the abduction scenario to something more acceptable to the abductee.

Druffel suggests that the abductors use light trance or sleeping states to catch individuals unawares, noting that abductions can also start during activities that induce light trances, such as watching television or driving. She believes that the hypnotic state makes individuals susceptible to suggestions and telepathic influence, which might lead to confabulation during hypnosis.

She discusses her interviews with abductees, noting the lack of consistency in their experiences, especially regarding reports of hybrid offspring and genetic manipulation. Druffel expresses skepticism about the common narrative of genetic research by aliens, suspecting that these ideas might be implanted by researchers during hypnosis.

Druffel also addresses the use of hypnosis in her research. She no longer employs hypnosis, citing the high risk of confabulation, which is the unconscious embellishment or fabrication of memories. Regarding the use of lie detectors, Druffel believes they can be useful if administered by experts and if the individual is willing. She mentions Travis Walton’s case as a unique exception, where witnesses saw his abduction, providing a rare instance of physical evidence of an abduction.

Druffel discusses Walton’s experience aboard an apparent ship, where he initially resisted the creatures resembling greys and later encountered human-looking beings, highlighting the complexity and variability of abduction experiences.

Druffel discusses Travis Walton’s case, acknowledging it as a rare example of a physical, real event with multiple witnesses. She highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between psychological self-convincing and actual physical abduction events. Druffel suggests that some individuals might self-hypnotize themselves into believing they were abducted, influenced by reading books or meeting researchers with specific theories about extraterrestrials.

Bell takes calls from listeners, one of whom inquires about the connection between religious groups practicing black magic, such as the Temple of Set, and UFO phenomena. Druffel addresses this by differentiating between the term “demonic” as used in religious contexts and its use in European folklore. She does not believe that the entities involved in UFO sightings and abductions are demonic in the religious sense but could be considered as such in a more cultural or mythological context.

A caller from Tennessee discusses the concept of self-hypnosis and the possibility that some abductees might convince themselves of their experiences. Druffel agrees that this is a potential issue in abduction research and emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to draw their own conclusions about their experiences. She acknowledges the complexity of separating genuine physical events from psychologically self-induced experiences.

The discussion turns to the connection between myths, folklore, and UFOs. A caller asks whether myths have masked the reality of aliens or if aliens have influenced myths. Druffel considers this a significant question, reflecting on the historical and cultural interpretations of phenomena that might be related to UFOs and alien encounters.

Druffel discusses the belief in fairies in Ireland, noting how these beliefs persist in certain regions. She suggests that these myths might hold some truth, similar to how people in Mexico take the Chupacabra seriously, despite skepticism elsewhere. This leads to a broader discussion about whether myths mask aliens or aliens mask myths. Druffel believes that there is truth in myths and folklore, which might intersect with the UFO phenomena.

A caller brings up the concept of time travel and suggests that UFOs might be time machines from the future. Druffel acknowledges this as a theory among some scientists but maintains her own working hypothesis based on her experiences.

The conversation then shifts to Druffel’s book on defending against alien abductions. She outlines some resistance techniques described by individuals who have successfully resisted abductions. These techniques include mental struggle to recognize and break paralysis induced by the entities and physical struggle, such as fighting back against the abductors.

Druffel emphasizes the importance of being aware of the paralysis and understanding how to counteract it. She also mentions that her book contains detailed information and descriptions of these resistance techniques.

Ann Druffel discusses her book, “How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction,” and elaborates on various techniques to resist alien abductions.

Druffel describes several methods of resistance, including:

  1. Mental Struggle: Recognizing and breaking paralysis induced by alien entities.
  2. Physical Struggle: Fighting back physically, as some entities appear fragile.
  3. Righteous Anger: Asserting one’s inviolable rights and demanding the intruders to leave.
  4. Protective Rage: Protecting family members, which can be a powerful motivator.
  5. Support from Family: Gaining support and using combined techniques with family members.

She emphasizes that it’s crucial not to hold anger or hatred against the entities after they leave, as this can act as a shield against future intrusions. Druffel also discusses metaphysical methods such as using intuition, white light, and internal sound. She notes that breaking the altered state in which the abduction is occurring is key to resisting.

Druffel shares anecdotes, including a case where a woman broke an entity’s neck and a Baptist minister who photographed two entities. She mentions that the use of video recording as a physical defense has been met with mixed results, as often the equipment fails to capture anything or is mysteriously turned off.

The book has been well-received by the public, selling well in both Britain and the United States. However, reactions within the research community vary, with some being open and supportive, while others remain quiet. Druffel mentions that her book is available in major bookstores and online platforms like Amazon.

Ann Druffel explains that while righteous anger and physical struggle can be effective, it’s important not to hold onto anger or hatred against the entities afterwards, as this can make one more susceptible to future abductions.

Druffel’s book received an endorsement from astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who appreciated its focus on the psychological aspects of abductions. A caller inquires about alternatives to hypnosis for uncovering abduction experiences. Druffel suggests conducting interviews to allow abductees to tell their stories in their own words and recommends limiting hypnotic regressions to avoid reinforcing potentially false memories.

Another caller from Tennessee expresses concern about the difficulty of discussing alien abduction experiences in areas with strong religious beliefs, like the Bible Belt. Druffel acknowledges this challenge but mentions a case from Tennessee in her book where the abductee’s family supported her.

Druffel criticizes the media’s portrayal of alien abductions, arguing that it fosters a victim mentality. She emphasizes the importance of trying to resist and confront these entities, reflecting the American spirit of not easily succumbing to adversities.

The segment includes a call from a Las Vegas resident who describes a personal experience involving a paralyzing blue light and a sensation of electrical current. The caller noticed that raccoons on his roof seemed affected by the same phenomenon. Druffel finds this account interesting and asks the caller to hold the story for further discussion.

A caller from Las Vegas describes an experience involving a blue strobe light and paralysis, which also seemed to affect raccoons on his roof. Druffel notes that while the caller was aware of the passage of time, usually abductions involve missing time. She also mentions a case from her research where pets were affected during an abduction, hiding and quivering.

Another caller brings up the topic of rods, mysterious airborne creatures, and asks Druffel if she’s familiar with them. Druffel acknowledges having seen footage of rods and is impressed with the research but maintains a cautious approach, suggesting that multiple phenomena could be coexisting with us.

Druffel also discusses the presence of creatures in folklore and religious writings across different cultures, such as the jinns in Muslim culture, Celtic fairies, and Native American tricksters. She refers to a book from 1701 by a Catholic theologian, suggesting that these creatures might exist on a hidden plane alongside humans.

A caller from Phoenix praises Art Bell and inquires about shape-shifting entities. The caller speculates whether the phenomena might involve rippling between dimensions, seeing different forms of the same being. Druffel expresses skepticism about the parallel universe theory, indicating she would need more proof before considering it a viable explanation.

A caller describes an out-of-body experience involving a dwarf-like creature and a different reality, questioning if it was simply an out-of-body experience. Druffel suggests that many abduction experiences could occur in an out-of-body state, with some abductees reporting seeing their bodies during the abduction.

Another caller inquires about a possible connection between UFO abductions and the Roswell incident, speculating whether humans might have extraterrestrial beings in custody. Druffel doubts this, explaining that these beings can materialize and dematerialize at will, making it unlikely that humans could detain them.

A caller from North Carolina shares a personal experience of suddenly developing an interest in UFOs following a seemingly pre-programmed comment. Druffel notes that such experiences can trigger new interests or awaken hidden memories.

The discussion also touches on the topic of mind control and the power of suggestion. Druffel and Bell consider whether experiences like the caller’s could be instances of precognitive messages or the manifestation of one’s thoughts.

A caller shares an experience of encountering a dwarf-like creature during an out-of-body meditation, leading to a discussion about whether these experiences are truly extraterrestrial or occurring in a different state of consciousness. Druffel acknowledges that many people report abductions in an out-of-body state, sometimes observing their physical bodies during the experience.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of photographic evidence of UFOs. Druffel mentions Stella Lansing, who could reportedly photograph UFOs that others couldn’t see, suggesting a psychic element in her ability. They discuss the challenges in distinguishing real UFO encounters from fraudulent ones, with Druffel estimating that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between the two.

The callers also inquire about the Pleiadians and the Billy Meier case, a famous UFO encounter. Druffel expresses skepticism about the authenticity of Meier’s photographs and the stories of entities from the Pleiades, suggesting they might be fabricated or exaggerated.

Druffel mentions her team’s efforts in Southern California to reinvestigate the Heflin photos taken in 1965, which show a clear image of a craft performing acrobatics. These photos are considered some of the most compelling evidence of UFOs due to their clarity and the reliability of the witness.

One caller from Mobile shares his experience of being visited by an entity and the skepticism he faced from his psychiatrist. Druffel suggests contacting the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) for support and advice.

Another caller from Illinois describes encounters with different types of creatures, including a lizard-like entity and a tall figure in a dark hood. Druffel advises caution, stating that these beings are often deceptive by nature, a trait described in the Koran regarding jinns. She emphasizes that such entities often seek to harass or traumatize humans and that their nature is to be deceptive rather than inherently evil.

A caller inquires about the relationship between the Bermuda Triangle and alien occurrences, particularly regarding the disappearance of planes. Druffel discusses the concept of ley lines, suggesting that they may play a role in close encounters, abductions, and UFO landings. However, she has not researched the Bermuda Triangle specifically and cannot comment on its connection to extraterrestrial activities.

Another caller from Illinois inquires about experiences with different creatures, including a lizard-like entity and a tall figure in a dark hood. Druffel warns of the deceptive nature of these beings, as described in the Koran about jinns, and advises caution against feeling guilty or misled by them.

A caller from Japan asks about abduction research in the Far East, particularly in Japan and Korea. Druffel mentions her contact with a Muslim visionary in Malaysia and discusses cultural differences in interpreting and reporting abduction experiences.

The discussion also touches on the nature of ley lines and their potential influence on altered states, making abductions more likely to occur along these lines. Druffel shares her research on the paranormal activity associated with ley lines and how it may facilitate encounters with extraterrestrial or interdimensional beings.

Another caller from Mississippi recounts waking up with no clothes on, feeling out of place, and hearing a voice in her head. She later finds a book discussing Saturn, which resonates with her experience. Druffel advises the caller to use dreams as a way to gain more information about her past experiences, suggesting that she request her subconscious to provide answers either in dreams or in waking reality.

Druffel discusses the concept of jinns from the Quran, describing them as rational beings living alongside humans but hidden on the Earth plane. She emphasizes the deceptive nature of these entities and their ability to manipulate perceptions.

The discussion also touches on the topic of ley lines and their potential to facilitate altered states, making abductions more likely. Druffel shares her research on the paranormal activity associated with ley lines and how it may facilitate encounters with extraterrestrial or interdimensional beings.

Another caller inquires about the concept of “time compression,” where he experienced traveling a distance in less time than physically possible. Druffel finds this opposite of “missing time” intriguing but has not encountered such cases in her research. She encourages the caller to document this experience and share it with researchers.

A caller from Santa Barbara brings up Peter Novak’s book, “The Division of Consciousness,” which discusses the rejoining of split-off souls and reincarnation. Druffel finds the theory interesting but has no specific insights to offer, as her research primarily focuses on UFOs and abductions.

A caller suggests that the increasing number of abduction experiences could be related to the apocalyptic times, speculating that they might be caused by disembodied souls trying to rejoin with the conscious spirit in the body. Druffel, however, does not subscribe to this theory. She mentions her book co-authored with a psychic, which explores the concept of reincarnation in a Western context, where one works out karma from a previous life in the present life.

Another caller shares a complex personal story about an experience at a music festival, where he felt a violet light come down over him and had an almost telepathic communication with an unknown entity. Druffel responds briefly to this story, emphasizing the need for caution in such encounters.

As the show concludes, Druffel encourages listeners to read her latest book, “How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction,” available in bookstores and online. Art Bell thanks Druffel for her insights and contributions to the discussion on UFOs and abductions.